What’s the Best Way to Floss?

LMHD’s Best Flossing Tips

You’ve heard your dental team recommend that you floss once a day. But what is the best way to floss? Flossing might seem tricky, so here we discuss proper flossing techniques, and share with you our best flossing tips. At La Mesa Hills Dentistry, we are always happy to answer your questions, and you can contact us anytime with your questions about flossing or anything else. Think of us as part of your health team! Read on to learn our Best Flossing Tips.

Proper flossing is the most effective way to clean the spaces between the teeth and along the gum line. By practicing proper flossing techniques regularly you can prevent (or significantly slow down) the formation of plaque and tartar on the teeth. This is important because once tartar forms, only your dental team can remove it. Daily flossing is the number one thing you can do to prevent plaque and tartar from forming, which also helps to prevent cavities and gum disease.

The goal of flossing is to clean the tight spaces between the teeth, removing the plaque that can form in these places. Plaque contains bacteria that feeds on leftover food or sugar in your mouth, releasing an acid that eats away at the outer coating of your teeth, and creating the conditions for cavities to form. Plaque that is not removed by flossing and adequate brushing can eventually harden into a rough substance called tartar (also called calculus), which collects along the gum line and can eventually lead to gum disease.

So what is the best way to floss? Here are La Mesa Hills Dentistry’s Best Flossing Tips:

★ Start with about 18 inches of floss, winding the majority of it around one of your middle fingers. Then, wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand – this finger will take up the floss as it is used.

★ Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.

★ Gently guide the floss into the space between the gum and the tooth.

★ Once the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth.

★ Hold the floss tightly against the tooth. Using a gentle rubbing motion, gently rub the side of the tooth, moving the floss away from the gum with up and down motions. (*Remember – always avoid snapping the floss into the gums)

★ Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth. Make sure to remember the back side of your last tooth!

At La Mesa Hills Dentistry, we encourage our clients to practice a good daily oral healthcare routine by brushing their teeth twice a day and flossing once daily. With proper flossing, you can help your mouth fight plaque and tartar, prevent cavities, and reduce your chances of developing gum disease. We hope our tips are helpful to you, but if you still have questions about proper flossing techniques, please speak to our team at your next teeth-cleaning appointment, or give us a call anytime at (619) 469-2902. At La Mesa Hills Dentistry of La Mesa, California, we want to help you take the best care of your mouth. Click here to book an appointment today!